Di Resta readies for 'big season'

Paul di Resta says 2013 will be a 'big season' as he seeks to earn himself a top drive in F1

Paul di Resta admits that he is facing up to a big season in 2013 as he seeks to secure a move to a top F1 team in future.

The Scot is set to remain with Force India for a third season next year having missed out on a role with McLaren, Ferrari or Mercedes despite being linked to all three teams.

While there were some strong performances during the season, such as at Monza and in Singapore, di Resta ended his year in disappointing fashion when he crashed out of the Brazilian Grand Prix and he admitted that he has to raise his game next year to keep him the frame for a leading role.

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"The end of my season wasn't great," he told the Press Association. "We had mechanical issues, a chassis change, and ultimately the style of my driving did not suit for the last few races.vOverall, I had ups and downs, although there were still some very big positives.

"We got very close to being on the podium in Singapore, where we felt we were slightly robbed when a safety car came out because it was in touching distance there.vOur performance slipped after that as we didn't develop at the rate of other people. All I can hope is when we switched off on this year's car, it will pay dividends for next year in terms of our performance in Australia.

"Next year is a big one for me. I need to do my stuff because it will be performance based. I think there'll be a few movements at the top, and hopefully I'll be a part of that. I felt ready for it this year, but for whatever reason it didn't happen, which was not my decision. I'll just keep doing my job on track to hopefully keep my name in the frame."

The former DTM champion will also hope to benefit from his new management team as he seeks to secure move up the grid in future, with di Resta having signed up with the same manager as Jenson Button mid-way through 2012 after splitting with Anthony Hamilton.

"There was a change during the year, which was not ideal," he said. "But it was the right thing to do to get the word out as to where I was, and to see if there were any opportunities coming up.

"Now we can lay down a constructive plan, targets, and everybody will hopefully come to the shop and meet them. I've a lot of confidence in Richard [Goddard], who has a very good reputation in the paddock with what he does, and with the support he has, which has given me every confidence."